Do I need another gun? If so, what?

T

tylerin

Commander
Joined
Jul 25, 2003
Messages
2,368
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

JB, There are some great gun choices here I own a 7mm mag Browning that would do the trick but I'm certain that 243 would be just fine. If you need (want) another gun thats differant. If you just want that bison take it w/ your 243. Thats a great gun, I have one of them too. Skinnywater..I agree w/ the 30-06 who could argue
 
H

Hooty

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
4,496
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

You're gonna like that Marlin a lot. <br />Check out the Marlin website and talk to those guys about it.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty
 
Boomyal

Boomyal

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Joined
Aug 16, 2003
Messages
12,072
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

Hey Homer:<br />you wouldn't be talkin bout Ron Wyden in your signature, would ya?<br /><br />Hey JB:<br />Under the theory that a guy can't have too many guns, any more than a lady can't have too many earings, I vote for that Browning/Winchester 45/70<br />There would just be somthin 'merican about it.<br />JB (ex-gunrunner)
 
N

neumanns

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 1, 2003
Messages
1,926
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

JB, What I hear is you have a unique oppertunity to take a nice critter and are looking for a classic weapon to do it with.<br /><br />IMO a falling block or lever in one of the clasic designs would somehow add tremendous value to the expierence.<br /><br />As for caliber, the 45-70 would be a excellent caliber for tha task however in the long run a 30-35 caliber would suffice and be more versitile in the long run.<br /><br />If it were me I would go with a clasic cartridge that is readiably available with a wide range of selecton in loads to match the task, whatever it may be.<br /><br />In 30-30 a versitile proven cartridge I would proabably stick with the lever for a Quick follow up if need be.<br /><br />30-06 is the most readibly available cartridge in one of the widest selections of loads on the market. Read...Dependable, Proven, Classic, Equals resale. Falling block would proform wonderful behind this cartridge.The shorter barrel of levers would not give this caliber all of its potential.<br /><br />There is no end of possabilitys but those two would lead my list with preferance givven to the 30-06 for its versatility. 120grain for varmits 150's for deer sized critters and 180's the bigboys elk Bison etc.<br /><br />What a unique oppertunity, Bison on your place. Not to mention the wonderful table fare to follow. I'm jelous.
 
H

Homerr

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Joined
Mar 4, 2002
Messages
2,294
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

Boom, <br /><br />No, I wasn't! I read an article some years ago about how many guns in the US etc... I found it interesting on how many the 'average' household had. I'll try and find that article.<br /><br />I forgot about the 30-06. I love that gun too.<br />My Dad always had one, and shot just about every critter around with it. <br />If I didn't already have a 7 mag, my next choice would be the 30-06. Definitely a no-brainer there.<br /><br />The funnest gun I own is a Marlin .22 Magnum single shot. It's cheap, and obliterates the rabbits and ground hogs!<br />I got the stainless (M882ss) at Walmart for less than $200 and stuffed a Tasco 3x9x40 scope on it.<br /><br />I also agree, the .243 is a fine caliber too. I got one for my daughter's first gun. Very accurate rifle. A bit small for Mule deer (imo), but place your shot right, and you should be fine.<br /><br />The older I get, the more I want a larger animal to drop right in its tracks, so I tend to fall toward the larger bore. I don't want to pack the thing out any farther than I have to!<br />The first kill my 7 mag got was a nice 4x4 Mule deer in Eastern Oregon. He was a monster. Good thing he dropped where he stood, cause it was already a long hike to where he was. It still took 3 of us to get him out.<br /><br />If you are going to do any 'all-around' hunting, I'd get either: 7mm Mag, 30-06, or 300 mag.<br />Any one of them will do you for life. They can be tweaked to kill moose or all the way down to small Blacktail.<br /><br />As far as brands? That's another matter, but keep in mind: You get what you pay for. <br />Every manufacturer has their cheapo guns and problems.<br />Hit the forums, and consumer reports before you buy.<br /><br />My top choice? Remington. <br />My optics choice: Burris.<br /><br />I'd buy a Browning, but I can't afford that kind of candy! :D They are a darn fine weapon.<br /><br />H.
 
D

dogsdad

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 8, 2003
Messages
1,293
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

JB, I would agree with the guys suggesting the .45-70, or one of the 7mm Magnums or a .30 caliber magnum. Even the .30-06. All these will work as long as you're using the right bullet. I would do a little study of the bison's anatomy before shooting at the thing...wouldn't want a pissed off buffalo tryin' to tag us, would we?<br /><br />Another great caliber not mentioned is the .280 Remington. It's not quite as quick-stepping as the 7mm Remington Magnum, but it's a more shooter-friendly round.<br /><br />The bottom line is that you need do deliver the right bullet to the right spot, at sufficient velocity to do its job. A 100-grain Nosler Partition fired from a .243 might do it, but I'd place my bet on a bigger projectile. In my opinion nothing smaller than .270 would be appropriate.
 
Ross J

Ross J

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Nov 30, 2001
Messages
1,119
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

Djohns19 is bang on!<br />We use 12 guage slugs for the big boars on the farm and it drops them anytime, you know how thick a boar is in the head department. I reckon a buffalo would bew about the same consistancy.<br />I'm jealous there JB as I've never tasted buffalo and I'd sure like to sit at the table that has that served up for dinner.<br />I shall wait in anticipation for the details.........<br />Ross
 
LubeDude

LubeDude

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Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

boy, the wrong word here could really ruffle some feathers! Ive been pretty good at that latly talking about oils, so I am going to choose my words very carefully!!<br /><br />I havnt hunted for about 5 years now, but when I do I use a Winchester model 70 270! I have only hunted Mule deer and blacktail!! This is an awsome gun for both!! However, having said that, I will say that even though there have been a lot of elk sized animals shot with a 270 with proper placed shots in the larger grains (no bigger than 150 unless you load yourself), I would personnaly not go elk hunting with anything less than a 30-06! I have to agree with SKINNYWATER on this one! If you can only own one gun, then the 30-06 has to be the most versatal gun there is!! I only have the 270 because it was my grandfathers!<br /><br />So there is my opinion!! :D <br /><br />LubeDude
 
D

dogsdad

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Aug 8, 2003
Messages
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Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

There LubeDude, that was well-said and I doubt you ruffled any feathers. You can put the pipe wrench down, no one's coming after you. :) <br />I think! :eek:
 
L

Link

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 13, 2003
Messages
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Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

JB: Bow and arrow?? :) <br /><br />Even Plywoody's reply made since here! A 270 with or without hand loads is an awesome weapon.<br /><br />How ever:<br />Specks n Reds <br /><br /> To answer the question "Do I need another gun?"<br />Of course you always will need another gun.<br /><br />As for what to drop the Bison with 45/70 500 gr will do the job. It's the original Bufflo cartridge.<br />------------------------------------------------<br />Gotta go with this one.. Browning makes a falling block action in 45-70 used to be the model 78 but they changed the model number.. did see a used one in a gun shop this year.. and it was selling for the same price as it did new in 1979.. $900 bucks..Now this is a GOOD REASON to add that gun to your collection! ;) <br />--------------------------------------------<br />Now the real question.. if the 2004 IBOATS Get together happens.. will you show up with a bison roast?? Throw in some new england red spuds, onions, carrots, celery etc and we could have a meal!<br />-----------------------------------------------<br /><br />Link
 
aspeck

aspeck

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May 29, 2003
Messages
19,267
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

Homerr - 3 guns per person? Man, I gotta have some more kids! I am way over my quota and am always looking for "steals". Have only ever bought 2 guns that were new, rest came from people getting out of the gunning business or wanting to upgrade or downgrade. Got my Weatherby Mark II with scope, suede leather case, scope, and about 150 rounds of ammo for $400. I love bargain basement shopping!<br /><br />As for me, the older I get, and the more patient and proficient I get, the smaller the caliber that I go for. Man, they don't go far if they are hit in the head - and it doesn't ruin any meat!
 
S

SlowlySinking

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 31, 2002
Messages
897
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

JB, if you're still having problems with the Mercedes and you have collision insurance, I have an idea,,,, ;)
 
aspeck

aspeck

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Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

SlowlySinking, Now that would be a heavy caliber with lots of knock-down power, but not much energy for penetration. Good controlled expansion though. Humm, you may be on to something there.
 
C

cotterman

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 7, 2003
Messages
490
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

hey JB, can't you just invite your daughters over????<br />one dead bison, freezer full and even a roast in the oven in less than an hour ;)
 
SpinnerBait_Nut

SpinnerBait_Nut

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 25, 2002
Messages
17,651
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

If your gona eat it, shoot it, but if you just want to get rid of it, then<br />BOMB IT :D <br /><br />Sorry JB, could not resist. ;)
 
JB

JB

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45,907
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

Slowly: Hahaha! :D But there'd be too much hemotoma in the best cuts and I would have to buy a new vehicle!<br /><br />Lots of knowledgable advice here. Let me add or reemphasize a couple of considerations.<br /><br />I just don't like operating bolt action rifles. They are 4" to 6" longer than an equivalent single shot. I will accept that in a lever gun, but not a bolt, even if they are likely to be more accurate. <br /><br />Whatever I buy needs to "fit" on my gun rack with those three beautiful Brownings. It may not get used again until one of my grandsons decides to hunt elk or moose.<br /><br />Nosleep: Does that mean you can use a .25-20 (popgun) in Canada, but not a .243 Winchester or a 6mm Remington? <br /><br />I am leaning to the Browning 1886 in high grade or the Browning 1885 SS. Either in .45-70. It is hard to find .45-70-500 ammo now. The 300 and 405 bullets seem to dominate available loads. I don't propose to equip myself to handload. Ideas?<br /><br />Slug? Would certainly do the job. That's what backup bearers used to use to deal with charging dangerous game in Africa. Immense energy at close ranges, but I can't count on a close up even in the woods.<br /><br />Certainly the .30-06 is very versatile, with a wide range of loads available. So is the .308 Winchester. No other caliber approaches them in versatility.<br /><br />.30 to .38 caliber magnums pretty much mean a Number One Ruger SS. I think my descendants would prefer to inherit a big bore repeating rifle.<br /><br />Thanks for all the input, amigos. Now to see what is actually available locally. :)
 
ehenry

ehenry

Commander
Joined
Jan 6, 2002
Messages
2,393
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

Hey J.B., just a thought cause I didn't see it mentioned. Since you like a breaking gun, have you ever considered a Thompson Center? You can get one in just about any caliber you want. Buy what ever type configuration you like, then add to it. I bought my son a T/C 308 with a youth rifle stock and a Nikon 4x scope on it when he was 8 years old. Killed his first deer with it. He's 15 now and has bought several different caliber barrels and stocks for it. He has made it into a pistol for plinking fun and can still go back to the 308. He bought a little short .410 barrel for it and calls it his snake charmer.
 
M

mellowyellow

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Joined
Jun 8, 2002
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Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

buffalo meat? yummy!<br />a fred flintstone rack of ribs :)
 
N

NOSLEEP

Commander
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
2,442
Re: Do I need another gun? If so, what?

I checked my 2003 hunting regs this morning,<br />I havent realy checked the general rules for <br />minimum caliber in a very long time.<br />It states the minumim to be .23 caliber.<br />So I guess if you wanted to hunt deer with a .243<br />off you go. Or a 25.20 god bless ya.<br />Personaly I have a little more respect for the <br />animals I hunt. I dont like to see an animal <br />suffer because of my poor choice for a weapon.<br />JMHO.
 
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